Technically, Zion Williamson Could Avoid Playing For The Pelicans By Returning To Duke

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 05: Zion Williamson of the Duke Blue Devils speaks during a press conference after being awarded the USBWA Oscar Robertson Trophy Player of the Year prior to the 2019 NCAA men's Final Four at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 5, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Pelicans won the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night, which means that, in all likelihood, they’re going to be able to draft former Duke star Zion Williamson next month. But what if Williamson really doesn’t like the idea of playing for the franchise?

Zion reportedly was “rooting” for New York – which is understandable, given the market potential. So, is there a way he can avoid playing for the Pelicans – outside of just giving up basketball? Technically, yes.

Williamson probably doesn’t have the leverage to tell the Pelicans that he wants to play elsewhere after they draft him. But he could return to Duke for his sophomore season and re-enter the draft next year.

It’d be an unprecedented move and it would come with a ton of risk. But it is still an option, as many on Twitter have pointed out. He reportedly hasn’t signed with an agent yet.

Obviously, if Williamson is drafted by the Pelicans, he can’t return to school. But he still has time to change his mind on becoming a professional.

Remember, college players can now use agents during the NBA Draft process and still return to school.

Know it wont happen, but how amazing would it be if Zion said "screw it," and just went back to college for another year rather than going to New Orleans?? https://t.co/wutHZUu2D2